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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #285169
Title: Minerals

Author
item WEBSTER, CARL - Kentucky State University
item Lim, Chhorn

Submitted to: Aquaculture Miscellaneous Publications
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/2014
Publication Date: 4/1/2015
Citation: Webster, C.D., Lim, C.E., 2015. Minerals. In: Lee, C.S., Lim, C., Gatlin, D.M., Webster, C.D., editors. Dietary Nutrients, Additives, and Fish Health. Hoboken, NJ:Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 195-210.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fish require the same minerals or inorganic elements as terrestrial animals for tissue formation, osmoregulation and various metabolic functions. Those required in large quantities are termed macro- or major minerals and those required in small quantities are called micro- or trace minerals. Fish can absorb dissolved minerals from the water to satisfy part of their metabolic requirements. The requirements of dietary minerals for growth and maintaining normal physiological functions and prevention of deficiency signs in fish and shrimp have been established and published as an animal nutrition series by the National Research Council. However, little research has been carried out on the influence of dietary minerals on the immune response and resistance of aquacultured fish to infectious microorganisms. Published information, which is limited to a few minerals (such as phosphorus, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, selenium and zinc), is often inconsistent and contradictory. This discrepancy among the research results could be related to several factors such as differences in fish species, strain and size, composition and nutrient content of experimental diets, nutrient interrelationships, soluble minerals present in the water, experimental conditions, feeding management and duration, pathogenicity of infected organisms, and method and dose of challenge. Moreover, because most of this research was conducted under laboratory conditions, the applicability of the results to the large scale, commercial settings is questionable. Generally, however, evidence from research indicates that essential minerals should be provided at adequate levels in the diets to sustain health and maintain the ability of fish to withstand stress and resist disease-causing agents. Diets containing inadequate or excessive levels of essential minerals can have marked effects on fish performance, immune system function and health. Thus, in the absence of clear-cut information on the beneficial effects of dietary minerals on the immune response and resistance to infectious agents, essential dietary minerals at levels sufficient to meet the requirements for growth and prevention of deficiency signs should be provided.